The Human Initiative - Transform and Fulfill your Purpose!
With the latest developments in artificial intelligence, it's become apparent that there is a widening gap between current thinking and that which is needed to succeed in our future. Thinking must begin with recognizing our innate value as humans, specifically as individuals, to intentionally pursue our unique personal development. Here we will delve into the intricacies of this gap, to reconcile our sense of self and the challenge to our identities, with the technical displacement we must face, and the opportunity for our individual adaptation.
Philosophy contends with our perception of self and our ultimate reality. The technologies of our day are not the beginning of our challenges. At the dawn of the industrial age, agriculture was a dominant global industry that was disrupted by a nexus of environmental challenges and economic stressors. These led individuals to flee rural communities and agricultural roles, and flock towards urban centers and manufacturing roles. In these places they found work to sustain their families and to build mechanical things. This cycle carried through to further industrialization and the development of new technologies like the steam engine and telecommunications, further disrupting economics, the working culture, further separating the individual from the pre-industrial agricultural era.
We find ourselves in another such cycle. Living and working in the service age, our processes, and approach to work, is comparable to the industrial mindset, in that we as individuals design and codify things as instructions and steps, just as done for industrial methods. Our orientation of self to the scaffolding of rules and techniques is now faced with a translation challenge for all of us to contend with.
It’s the difference that remains when technology displaces the work we each identify with – that we are no longer what we do. It is a multi-faceted displacement and transformation resulting from intelligent technologies and machinery capable of mimicking human behavior and shape. The aim it would seem is to fill the void we find in ourselves – that we will no longer identify with what we did.
Rather we are what we aspire to be and identify with the new things we will do. This will fundamentally require intentional effort to escape the actions and knowledge we have associated with our sense of self. It is vital that we as individuals pursue greater things beyond engineered order-based roles and tasks, to those that are not bound by knowledge (which is available to all), nor dependent on the movement of material or information (now a mechanical commodity).
Greater things will require that we challenge our egos and sense of self in a way never before seen, but forever contemplated by philosophy. Therefore, it is necessary to explore facets of identity, to help us move forward in practical ways, to lead toward actions and the fulfillment of our human endeavors.
The AI Avalanche: Achieving Objectives in a Wilderness Full of Temptation
The avalanche of progressively better artificial intelligence (AI), derivative tools and services is heading toward us with ferocious velocity and will continue to persist and grow.
-
As solutions and the potential for discovery expands with AI, our decision-making processes, choices and commitments to solutions, require patience and courage as progressively better solutions tempt us to change our decisions, creating uncertainty.
Uncertainty is arguably a constant with the evolution of AI, both as a quantifiable aspect of the models themselves and as a characteristic of our experience. The velocity we’re witnessing is sure to increase along with the volume of solutions, and so must the measurement and vetting required to identify paths forward that will sustain momentum to achieve our objectives.
The path we choose must also coordinate decision-making and future actions by observing evolving conditions while enforcing a culture of discipline and patience, even when faced with new discoveries that challenge our current perception.
To help mitigate temptations and the uncertainty of AI choices, establish a vetting process to contend with fluid and unpredictable changes, that is devoted to the achievement of each solution’s purpose. It will result in more predictable high quality, timely and cost-effective outcomes. Though the fingerprint for each solution will vary according to the objectives you are trying to reach, this attention to detail is necessary to solve the right problem, avoiding superfluous one-size-fits-all ceremonies that do not add value.
Doing so will enable you to identify a path forward that presents the greatest likelihood for your success!
Evolution: Homo Technologicus Waits for No One!
Among species we humans are endowed with remarkable gifts, capable of adapting like no other, shaping our world and future for all others.
-
With these gifts we also seem to create challenges, traps and puzzles that must be solved to overcome the evolutionary challenges of the environment that we are creating. With Artificial Intelligence (AI) progressing so swiftly, we are confronted with a reflection of our identities visible in the product of the technology that we’ve created.
Our understanding of human capacity has progressed well beyond the anthropology we study and is no longer constrained by historical precedence. We are now capable of leaping beyond the limitations of our intellect through modern technology. It's time to accept that we are no longer homo sapiens nor just progenitors of a new human sub species.
The theory has been contemplated for quite some time for what we may become, now we must grapple with the reality of what we have become. The classification of homo technologicus has circulated as a specific way of establishing modern humanity as being distinctively different from our ancestors, albeit a relatively recent distinction. It’s quite evident by the ways we are dependent on technology for communication, social interactions, livelihoods, economies, security and now more than ever reasoning.
We’ve crossed the threshold but in so many ways continue to behave as if technology is separate and apart from ourselves. As an integrated characteristic of what we are and consume, it’s time to take a more critical look at our dependencies with greater seriousness, just as we must take responsibility for our own well-being in our environment, nutrition, health, and personal development.
While there will always be room for amusement as technology evolves with us, we too must evolve as individuals by devoting individual time and effort to develop to become the best version of homo technologicus we deserve to be!
OpenAI – Higher Reasoning Released Sooner than Later
The history and future of AI is being written at this very moment. It wasn’t but 2 months ago that OpenAI shared their forecast that PhD level intelligence would occur within the next few years. Well it seems that they’re holding back a little. GPT 5 was touted that it would have PhD intelligence and now as of September 12th, 2024, ChatGPT o1 was released to perform deeper analysis and reasoning approaching PhD level capabilities.
-
The evolution of model architectures that we can come to expect, including that for ChatGPT o1 is becoming more diverse, focusing competencies for specialization while also collaborating across competencies to solve problems, corroborate and generate results. The capabilities according to OpenAI are particularly helpful where science, coding, math and other high-reasoning is needed, such as in healthcare diagnostics, physical sciences, workflow and software development just to name a few.
Developers qualifying for AI usage tier 5 were allowed access September 12th. Available the week of September 16th for Enterprise and Edu users.
Checkout OpenAI for their release on September 12, 2024 - Introducing OpenAI o1-preview.
Navigate a Changing Economy to Succeed in Your Craft
It’s fascinating how the synchronicity of current events and interests align, and such is the case with the resources available here at Shokunindo. Recently the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) discovered that job additions for documented employees through March 2024 were underestimated by 818,000 jobs. That’s 818,000 jobs plus an additional ~500,000 undocumented that are not accounted for in current statistics; a key indication that the job market is far more competitive across the range of all occupations.
-
As we face changes, industry reassessments and cost-cutting measures, we must emphasize the need to continuously hone our skills and adapt to the evolving economy. With the rapid advancement of new technologies, changes are happening faster than ever, underscoring the importance of staying adaptable and persistent in your career.
Take this opportunity to evaluate your current role and identify areas for improvement. Use the news and resources provided here to unlock your potential and stay updated with the latest developments. By doing so, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate your path to success in the new economy.
How OpenAI’s ChatGPT Enterprise is Changing Compliance and Administration Roles
The introduction of new compliance and administrative tools for ChatGPT Enterprise are set to impact various occupational roles, particularly in regulated industries like finance, healthcare, legal services, and government. Here's a practical look at how these changes might affect different roles and what skills will become increasingly important.
-
Compliance Officers
Compliance officers will need to adapt to new ways of overseeing regulatory adherence. This includes understanding how ChatGPT Enterprise interacts with regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and FINRA.
Key skills to develop:
- In-depth knowledge of industry-specific regulations
- Familiarity with data logging and audit trails
- Understanding of API usage and integration with compliance tools
- Ability to analyze compliance data effectively
IT Security and Data Protection Specialists
These professionals will need to incorporate AI-specific considerations into their existing data protection strategies.
Areas to focus on:
- Implementing Data Loss Prevention (DLP) strategies for AI interactions
- Configuring secure access to enterprise data within ChatGPT
- Collaborating with compliance teams on AI-specific data security policies
Legal Professionals (e.g., eDiscovery Specialists)
Legal teams will need to consider how AI interactions factor into legal holds, litigation, and investigations.
Important considerations:
- Managing AI-generated data in legal contexts
- Ensuring AI communications are preserved when necessary
- Working with IT and compliance teams to meet legal requirements in an AI environment
Data Administrators
The role of data administrators will expand to include managing data interactions with AI systems like ChatGPT Enterprise.
New responsibilities may include:
- Overseeing data archiving and retention for AI interactions
- Implementing redaction processes for sensitive information in AI contexts
- Ensuring data handling complies with regulatory requirements
Enterprise IT Managers
IT managers will need to integrate AI tools like ChatGPT Enterprise into existing IT infrastructures.
Key tasks:
- Overseeing the deployment and management of AI tools
- Implementing automated user management for AI systems
- Ensuring AI use aligns with company policies and compliance requirements
Training and Development Specialists
These professionals will need to create training programs that help employees understand and comply with new AI tools and related regulations.
Focus areas:
- Developing training on the use of AI tools in compliance contexts
- Creating programs to educate staff on data security in AI interactions
- Helping employees understand the implications of AI use in regulated environments
Looking Forward
As these tools become more prevalent, professionals in these fields will likely see a shift in their day-to-day responsibilities. Developing skills in areas like API integration, AI-specific data management, and automated processes will become increasingly valuable.
It's worth noting that while these changes may seem daunting, they also present opportunities for professional growth and the development of new, in-demand skills. As with any technological shift, adaptability and a willingness to learn will be key to navigating these changes successfully.
Latest News
-
Recognizing Human Innovation through Computation and AI for Chemistry ~ While the focus at Shokunindo is on the contribution we can collectively make to improve ourselves and the world around us, last week The Nobel Prize was awarded to several individuals who are doing just that. David Baker was awarded half of the prize “for computational protein design” with the other half shared by Demis Hassabis and John M. Jumper “for protein structure prediction” – according to The Nobel Prize announcement. These awards demonstrate the creative solutions we are capable of when comprehensively applying technology to solve problems. David Baker’s advancements to create de novo proteins, and Demis Hassabis and John M. Jumper’s impact on protein research capabilities, are interesting in that together they address both induced and deduced protein design. Congratulations to all of you on this remarkable achievement! You are shining examples for us all to model in our own endeavors! Read more at The Nobel Prize, The University of Washington, and Google DeepMind websites.
Recognizing Human Innovation, how Studies in Physics led to Foundational Discoveries for AI ~ At Shokunindo much of the emphasis is on putting AI to use in our own lives, but there are many who were inspired to pursue the challenges they saw in the real world, and were led to develop the underpinnings of the AI technology we take for granted today. John J. Hopfield “created a structure that can store and reconstruct information”, and Geoffrey Hinton “invented a method that can independently discover properties in data” – according to The Nobel Prize announcement. The discoveries by both of them were born from the necessity to solve problems exposed by limits in research, and the creativity needed to overcome barriers to understanding the physical world. Interestingly, the award and relationship of the two laureates are intertwined in that John J. Hopfield invented the Hopfield Network that utilizes nodes and a stepwise method to identify common patterns from atoms to images, and Geoffrey Hinton applied the Hopfield Network as a primer for a new method to identify patterns which are used for machine learning. Both are wonderful examples of what we can accomplish when we dare to imagine new ways to overcome the challenges we each face in our own pursuits! Read more at The Nobel Prize, Computer Science – The University of Toronto, and Princeton University websites.
-
We’re often critical with the pace of progress within government agencies, but regarding the subject of Artificial Intelligence (AI) there’s a new urgency to advance the field, compliance and skills. New Executive Orders within the United States were initiated in August.
New regulations are now established to regulate AI safety including demonstrating test results for major AI models, the responsible use of AI and foreign entity utilization of U.S. cloud services for training AI models for national security, U.S. investments in critical national security technologies.
An AI Talent Surge began to attract top talent in the field of AI including the introduction of flexible hiring practices to fill positions across government departments.
And the National Science Foundation launched EducateAI to expand AI education from K-12 to prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s workforce.
These announcements recognize the importance of acting on the risks and prospects associated with AI while recognizing the necessity for advancement and its continued development. The origin of these initiatives can be referenced within the Executive Order published January 29, 2024.
-
With AI agents being actively pursued to perform or augment specific functions or occupations, the progress is being driven by familiar and burgeoning organizations with broad and narrow objectives. These new technologies are not just for the tech-savvy, rather their range of function provides approachable capabilities to implement and scale productivity and individual effectiveness. Google’s Project Astra, Whitespace’s Collective and newcomer MultiOn are but a few making an impression on the future of how work gets done.
As agents become more prevalent and effective, our roles must also evolve as we see agents assuming greater responsibilities by automating repetitive tasks, assisting diagnostics for decision support, and accelerating research and the discovery of solutions across industries.
Project Astra - Google DeepMind
-
NATO released a revised AI strategy on July 10, 2024, focusing on advancing responsible AI use, increasing interoperability, and addressing AI-enabled disinformation and gender-based violence. A key recognition is the critical dependency on reliable high-quality data required for AI to be its most effective.
This strategy aims to enhance security and ethical standards in the development and deployment of AI technologies within NATO member countries.
NATO - Official text: Summary of NATO's revised Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy, 10-Jul.-2024
-
Boston Dynamics showcased new capabilities of its humanoid robot, Atlas, moving their current technology forward in dexterity and practical applications. These advancements present further commercial opportunities in manufacturing, logistics, and potential rescue operations.
Reference:
-
The minds at MIT continue to make significant improvements to maximize performance through continued optimization with machine-learning and the use of less data. These advancements enable more adaptive solutions without strict dependencies on referential data.
MIT has also advanced neural network control which will greatly improve complex systems including industrial technology and autonomous vehicles where safety and stability are critical.
Find more about these subjects at MIT Research Team (MIT News).
-
With the majority of our planet covered in water the team at Binghampton University is developing robotic solutions that are more durable, have long functional lives and capable of working in diverse conditions vs. current sensory and collection platforms.
Harnessing the potential of bacteria for power generation, these robots will be capable of sustaining operations for decades, using resources from the environment around them. monitoring is taking a step toward durability and scaling for environmental monitoring.
Find more at BingUNews.
-
An industry in and of itself, the focus on Advanced Driver Automation Systems (ADAS) and Autonomous Vehicles (AV) showcased the latest developments in San Jose, CA August 28th & 29th.
The diversity and convergence of technologies for ADAS/AV requires cooperation for research, AI, Big Data, analytics, manufacturing, testing, validation and regulatory compliance among others. The ADAS & Autonomous Vehicle Expo (August 2024) brings together the experts across these fields.
